Headmaster Diddy? Rapper and mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has partnered with Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter Schools to open a new school in Harlem in an effort to expand educational opportunities for young men and women and build leaders from the community.
Combs, who hails from the historic neighborhood, conceived the project in 2011 and has spent the years since working to put together the best curriculum and team, including Danita Jones, an esteemed educator from Orlando. Jones will serve as principal, while educator and founder of Capital Preparatory Schools, Dr. Steve Perry, will oversee Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School.
“I’m inspired by Sean Combs’ belief that educating our young people is the key to opening up a world of opportunity for them,” said Perry. “Sean and I have spent many long hours over the last five years talking about education and how best to meet the needs of the young people of Harlem, and I couldn’t be more pleased to continue this journey through the opening of the school.”
For his part, Combs, a father of six, is excited to inspire kids growing up in his old neighborhood.
“Creating this school is a dream come true for me. I want to impact the lives of young people in my community, and build future leaders. The first step is offering access to a quality education,” he said. “Every young person should have the tools they need to succeed. All our children should be able to pursue their dreams. That is something I can impact with this school.”
Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School will open this fall, and is currently accepting applications for students in the sixth and seventh grades. The school will expand a grade each year until it is fully enrolled at 700 students in grades 6 through 12. Those who are interested in applying as either a student or staff should go to capitalprepharlem.org.
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